Senior Political Reporter
As T&T embarks on constitutional reform discussions, late former prime minister Basdeo Panday’s input would have been just as valuable and just as memorable, says Prime Minister Keith Rowley
And House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George has noted Panday’s maiden contribution in 1972 was on a Constitution bill which may have sowed the seed for his enduring battle cry of constitutional reform.
This, during yesterday’s tributes from the House of Representatives - to which Panday had belonged for 34 years - to the “Silver Fox.” MPs observed a minute’s silence on the passing of T&T’s fifth Prime Minister. Panday, 90, died January 1 at a Florida Hospital, where he was taken December 12 to receive medical treatment. He was cremated January 9.
Rowley yesterday said he considered it a signal honour to speak. He noted much was said recently , “... and most if not all, complimentary of a career of a citizen who’s had what one may call a colourful life and history.”
Rowley said, “Public life is honourable. It’s not always easy, in fact, never is easy. But it’s always worthwhile and the genuine way in which Basdeo Panday represented the national community and those who elected him to office, is something worth emulating in the political arena.
“As we move towards this whole question of discussion of a national Constitution - it, happening now, as per announcement (on Thursday) - one can be excused if it is said that Basdeo Panday has gone too soon. Because I’m sure had he been here, as we embark upon this exercise, his input would have been just as valuable and just as memorable.”
On Thursday, Rowley announced a committee to facilitate views from the public on constitutional reform, which will be discussed at a June consultation.
Rowley said he remembered Panday as a person “from whom I’ve learnt.” He recalled that as a new senator, he met “the legendary” Panday. He said he learned from the very first day he met Panday.
Rowley said Panday, who was Foreign Affairs minister, had entered the Senate and spoke on a debate which had nothing to do with his portfolio.
“We thought we were doing well against a massive government but he joined the debate and put a thorough tongue-lashing on the Opposition (PNM).. I recall his flair and the smirk on his face as he did,” the PM said.
Rowley said Panday had good and bad days, but he’d never seen him not in a cheerful mood.
“He was a citizen who took responsibility for some aspects of our development ... nobody could forget the witty way he dealt with serious issues and the genuine concerns and the phrases he’d have coined which were everlasting,” Rowley said.
“Who can forget ‘the parasitic oligarchy’ as he described our society and its various layers. Who can forget Panday leading his troops and telling them ‘Put the X by the Balisier!’ The only person who could do that and get away with it, is Basdeo Panday!”
Rowley mused, “For the good days when Panday spoke from the legal benches, Opposition benches, in front of the court, when Panday spoke as Prime Minister at Caricom and when he spoke as just a citizen enjoying a party, I think we all have a lot to thank Basdeo Panday for and to recognise in a citizen who wanted to see better in his country and didn’t leave it up to others to make that happen.
“His input, record and presence in this Chamber will always be among the most memorable and easily among the most flambuoyant...after a long life, full of interest and intrigue, the most we can say is Godspeed. May he rest in perfect peace.”
House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George, noting Panday’s Parliamentary career spanning 38 years, said, “His accomplishments are well known throughout the length and breadth of this country and I dare say without contradiction, throughout the Caribbean diaspora. Mr Panday’s characterisations are many. One may even go as far as to say that even lions knew where to tread when it came to this national figure. When the alias ‘Silver Fox’ was mentioned, it was well known of whom you were speaking, in political settings.”
She added, “What we as a nation had to come to terms with is that not everyone could match the oratory of Mr Panday, nor contend with his dexterity and fondness of words. His first port of call was acting, at which
he was well trained, and woe onto one who had to face the sharpness of his wit in the political arena.”
She added, “He has indeed broken numerous barriers, overcome many uncomfortable situations but certainly did not tire in his sentiments about national development and constitutional change. I wish to express my admiration for the uniqueness and colourful personality of Mr Basdeo Panday. A true patriot.”
UNC Couva North MP Ravi Ratiram said Panday was a distinguished statesman and visionary leader who left an indelible mark on T&T’s political landscape. He said Panday’s career was testament to his resilience, dedication and commitment to public service.
Ratiram related meeting Panday while a UWI student when crime plagued the campus.
“Mr Panday mentored us on how important it was for us to put aside whatever differences or distractions that divide us and unite all the students around the greater good...”